Zinc,Copper, Boron and Iron Requirement of Upland Rice Grown on a Brazilian Oxisol

Deficiency of micronutrients increasing in field crops, including upland rice in recent years. The objective of this study was to determine requirement of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) boron (B) and iron (Fe) for upland rice grown on a Brazilian Oxisol. The levels used were: Zn (0, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg kg^?1), Cu (0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg kg^?1), B (0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg kg^?1) and Fe (0, 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg kg^?1). Plant height, straw yield, grain yield, panicle number and grain harvest index (GHI) were significantly improved with the addition of these micronutrients. Root growth was also improved with the application of micronutrients, except with the addition of B. Maximum grain yield was obtained with the addition of 51 mg Zn, 24 mg Cu, 5 mg B kg^?1, and 283 mg Fe kg^?1 soil. Similarly, maximum straw yield was obtained with the addition of 38 mg Zn, 17 mg Cu, 6 mg B kg^?1, and 1500 mg Fe kg^?1 soil. Maximum plant height was obtained with the addition of 54 mg Zn, 10 mg B kg^?1, and 1197 mg Fe kg^?1 soil. Copper did not affect plant height significantly. Maximum panicle number was obtained with the addition of 22 mg Cu kg^?1, 3 mg B kg^?1, and 1100 mg Fe kg^?1 soil. Zinc did not affect panicle number significantly. Maximum GHI was obtained with the addition of 61 mg Zn kg^?1, and 8 mg B kg^?1. Zinc was had a linear increase in GHI in the range of 0 to 80 mg kg^?1, and Fe showed a negative relationship with GHI.     

Diagnosis of Micronutrient Imbalance in Lime Crop in Semi-arid Region of Rajasthan,India

Low and unstable fruit yield, poor quality of fruits, and excessive fruit dropping are major problems in a lime crop and are due to either micronutrient deficiencies or nutrient imbalance. A study was conducted to assess the micronutrient status in a lime orchard at the Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute (CSWCRTI)’s research farm in Kota, Rajasthan, India. Plant and soil samples were collected during September and October in 2006–2007. The micronutrients extracted with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) in soils were in the order of manganese (Mn) > iron (Fe) > zinc (Zn) > copper (Cu). The mean values of DTPA Mn, Fe, Zn, and Cu in surface soils varied from 13.98 to 22.70, 2.48 to 8.66, 0.79 to 1.19, and 0.14 to 0.46 mg kg^?1, respectively, whereas in subsurface soils they varied from 12.94 to 23.06, 4.84 to 6.52, 0.51 to 0.83, and 0.07 to 0.20 mg kg^?1, respectively. Results reveal that except for Fe, the other DTPA-extractable micronutrients decreased with depth. Total Mn, Fe, Zn, and Cu in plant leaves varied from 22 to 83, 70 to 630, 40 to 932, and 37 to 3057 mg kg^?1, respectively, indicating greater or toxic concentrations of total micronutrient in leaf samples. Total Mn, Fe, Zn, and Cu in petiole samples varied from 7 to 60, 235 to 574, 70 to 827, and 101 to 2623 mg kg^?1, respectively. High concentration of Cu and Zn in leaves resulted in Fe and Mn deficiencies (exhibited as leaf chlorosis) in lime plants. Results of the study indicated that Fe and Mn deficiencies are major disorders in lime plantation. Similarly, the measure of DTPA-extractable micronutrients showed the low statuses of Fe and Cu and marginal status of Zn in soils along the Chambal region.     

Effect of cadmium toxicity on micronutrient concentration,uptake and partitioning in seven rice cultivars

Heavy metal uptake, translocation and partitioning differ greatly among plant cultivars and plant parts. A pot experiment was conducted to determine the effect of cadmium (Cd) levels (0, 45 and 90 mg kg^?1 soil) on dry matter yield, and concentration, uptake and translocation of Cd, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu in seven rice cultivars. Application of 45 mg Cd kg^?1 soil decreased root and shoot dry weight. On average, shoot and root Cd concentrations and uptake increased in all cultivars, but micronutrients uptake decreased following the application of 45 mg Cd kg^?1. No significant differences were observed between 45 and 90 mg kg^?1 Cd levels. On average, Cd treatments resulted in a decrease in Zn, Fe and Mn concentrations in shoots and Zn, Cu and Mn concentrations in roots. Differences were observed in Cd and micronutrient concentrations and uptake among rice cultivars. Translocation factor, defined as the shoot/root concentration ratio indicated that Cu and Fe contents in roots were higher than in shoots. The Mn concentration was much higher in shoots. Zinc concentrations were almost similar in the two organs of rice at 0 and 45 mg Cd kg^?1. A higher Cd level, however, led to a decrease in the Zn concentration in shoots.     

Increased yield of direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) by foliar fertilization through multi-component fertilizers

Foliar application of fertilizers can guarantee the availability of nutrients to rice for obtaining higher yield. Rice responds favorably to macro- and micronutrients and the tolerance to salinity hazards improves by decreasing the N/S ratio. In this study, results showed that nutrient concentrations (g L^?1) for rice are: nitrogen (N) 108.0, phosphorous (P₂O₅) 6, potassium (K₂O) 81.0, calcium (CaO) 15.0, and magnesium (MgO) 6 g L^?1; and for iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), cupper (Cu), boron (B), molybdenum (Mo) and silicon (Si) the recommended concentrations are 0.6, 0.45, 0.21, 0.06, 0.09, 0.0002 and 0.004 g L^?1, respectively. A significant increase was recorded in number of panicles m^?2, 1000 grain weight, biological yield and grain yield with foliar application of nutrients. Five foliar applications of nutrients resulted in maximum number of panicles m^?2, grains panicle^?1, 1000 grain weight and biological yield. It is concluded that five foliar applications of balanced amounts of fertilizers at the seedling stage (two sprays), tillering (single spray) and at panicle initiation and panicle differentiation (two sprays) helped in enhancing yield and yield components of rice. In this research, five foliar applications produced the smallest damaging effects of blast (Pyricularia oryzae) in rice.     

Potential Use of Bioorganic Nutrient Source Dynamics on Cropping Behavior,Soil Properties,and Quality Attributes of Apricot

The comparative efficacy of bioorganic nutrients on cropping behavior and soil properties of apricot trees was studied. Bioorganic nutrient sources, namely, vermicompost (VC), biofertilizers (BF), cow urine (CU), and vermiwash (VW), were evaluated in 13 treatment combinations. The treatment application of VC at 50 kg, BF at 60 g, CU at 12.5%, and VW at 12.5% significantly improved cropping and soil properties over nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (N–P–K) chemical fertilizers. Available macronutrient contents of soil (viz., N, P, and K) increased by 25.50, 70.90, and 6.44%, respectively. Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid–extractable micronutrients (Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn) increased by 15.45, 35.90, 80.36, and 40.12%, respectively. Microbial biomass of Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Azotobacter chroococcum, and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi improved 51.83, 122.78, 60.93, and 2.91 times, respectively. This superior combination also resulted in considerably greater amounts of leaf macro- and micronutrients: N (2.34%), P (0.34%), K (3.71%), iron (Fe; 172.83 mg kg^?1), copper (Cu; 12.79 mg kg^?1), zinc (Zn; 25.49 mg kg^?1), and manganese (Mn; 54.32 mg kg^?1), which might be responsible for better cropping behavior and productivity in apricot trees.     

The effect of different production systems on the content of micronutrients and trace elements in potato tubers

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different production systems (conventional, integrated and organic) on the content of micronutrients and trace elements in the tubers of very early, early and medium-early maturing potato cultivars. Five Polish potato cultivars were grown in three production systems under field conditions. In plant material selected microelements (chemical elements essential for living organisms) were analysed: boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) as well as some trace elements (not regarded as essential element for living organisms): chromium (Cr), nickel, (Ni) and lead (Pb). The content of micronutrients and trace elements in potato tubers was modified by production system, genotype and weather conditions during the growing season. Organically grown potatoes had a higher content of B (8.6–8.9?mg kg^?1) and Cu (2.8–3.1?mg?kg^?1), and a lower content of Fe (47.0–47.1?mg?kg^?1), Mn (6.0–6.4?mg?kg^?1) and Zn (11.9–12.2?mg?kg^?1), than potatoes grown in conventional and integrated systems. Potatoes grown in the conventional system had the highest Pb content. Organic cultivation can assure better alimentation of potato tubers with B and Cu, which are important microelements often deficient in the soils. On the contrary, when cultivating potato in conventional system, one should supply this element with fertilisers.     

Extractable Micronutrients Status of Soils in a Plinthitic Landscape at Zaria,Nigeria

Desilication and leaching are processes that accompany plinthilization, leading to nutrient depletion. Soils from 12 profiles in a plinthitic landscape were analyzed for extractable micronutrients [iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu)]. Soils of the landscape from crestal to lower‐slope position contain plinthite in the profile, whereas those of the valley floor are devoid of plinthite. The micronutrients were extracted using diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and 0.1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl). The results showed that 0.1 M HCl extracted more of the micronutrients than DTPA. The DTPA‐extractable Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu in all the soils ranged from 1.15 to 12.44 (mean, 3.69); 0.71 to 2.75 (mean, 1.86); trace 12.44 (mean, 3.35), and trace 3.76 (mean, 0.63) mg kg^?1, respectively. The DTPA‐extractable micronutrient contents were generally greater than the critical available level (4.5 mg kg^?1 for Fe, 0.8 mg kg^?1 for Zn, 1.0 mg kg^?1 for Mn, and 0.2 mg kg^?1 for Cu). The 0.1 M HCl‐extractable micronutrients in the landscape ranged from 8.00 to 30.40 (mean, 15.19); 0.30 to 6.49 (mean, 1.35); 1.00 to 27.20 (mean, 7.74); and 0.26 to 15.0 (mean, 2.77) mg kg^?1 for Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively. Both DTPA‐ and 0.1 M HCl‐extractable micronutrients were generally lower in the plinthitic horizons than in the nonplinthitic horizons and higher in the Ap than the subsoil horizons. Correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between DTPA‐Fe and DTPA‐Mn, Cu, and organic carbon (r = 0.913**, 0.411**, and 0.385**). There was a significant and positive relationship between 0.1 M HCl‐extractable Mn and organic carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), and available phosphorus (P) (r = 0.413**, 0.337**, and 0.350**, respectively).     

Assessment of Nutritional Status of Guava Seedlings using Preliminary DRIS Norms and Sufficiency Ranges

The objective of this work was to propose preliminary Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) norms and derive critical levels and nutrient sufficiency ranges in the leaves of guava plants in commercial nursery conditions. Sixty-eight leaf samples were evaluated from fertilization trials with seedlings. In the low-yield subpopulation (84% of the population), the limiting nutrients by deficiency in descending order were nitrogen (N)> copper (Cu)>phosphorus (P) = potassium (K)> manganese (Mn)> iron (Fe) = zinc (Zn)> sulfur (S)> boron (B) = magnesium (Mg)> calcium (Ca), and the limiting ones by excess in descending order were B > Ca > Fe > Mn > S > Mg > Cu > P > Zn > N = K. The ranges of the appropriate DRIS indices were 24 to 28, 2.4 to 3.1, 21 to 29, 6 to 8, 1.9 to 2.9 and 1.9 to 2.3 (g kg^?1) for the macronutrients N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S, respectively, and 35 to 48, 4 to 15, 68 to 93, 31 to 60 and 180 to 245 (mg kg^?1) for the micronutrients B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn, respectively. The dry matter production of guava seedlings was associated with the nutritional status.     

Changes in the soil properties and availability of micronutrients after six-year application of organic and chemical fertilizers using STCR-based targeted yield equations under pearl millet-wheat cropping system

Field experiments were carried out to assess the effect of nutrient management on soil properties and available micronutrients using Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) based targeted yield equations under a six-year old pearl millet-wheat cropping system. After six years, results showed that soil pH and bulk density decreased, while cation exchange capacity and organic carbon increased in farmyard manure (FYM) as compared to control and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) treated plots in both surface and sub-surface soil depths. Higher values of available zinc (Zn) (1.54 mg kg^?1) and iron (Fe) (5.68 mg kg^?1) were maintained in FYM+NPK treated plots, while higher values of manganese (Mn) (6.16 mg kg^?1) and copper (Cu) (1.07 mg kg^?1) were found in FYM alone at surface soil as compared to sub-surface soil. This study demonstrated the importance of application of FYM in improving soil properties and maintaining micronutrients availability in soil and their uptake by wheat for sustainable crop production.     

Micronutrients distribution in salt-affected soils of the Punjab in relation to soil properties

Salt-affected soils in arid and semi-arid tracts of the Indian Punjab are prone to deficiency of micronutrients. Nine profiles from alluvial terraces, sand dunes and palaeochannels in the southwestern Punjab were investigated for total and diethylenetriamine-penta-acetic acid (DTPA) extractable Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe. Soil physiography exerted significant influence on the spatial distribution of micronutrients. Total contents varied from 20–78 for Zn, 8–32 for Cu, and 88–466 mg kg^?1 for Mn and 0.82–2.53% for Fe. DTPA-extractable contents varied from 0.10–0.98 for Zn, 0.14–1.02 for Cu, 0.54–13.02 for Fe and 0.82–9.4 mg kg^?1 for Mn. Total contents were higher in fine-textured soil than in coarse-textured soils. Concentration of micronutrients in the surface layer was low and there occurred more accumulation in the Cambic horizon. Organic carbon, pH, clay, silt and calcium carbonate exerted strong influence on the distribution of micronutrients. DTPA extractable Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe increased with increasing organic carbon but decreased with increase in pH and calcium carbonate content. Total micronutrient contents increased with increase in clay, silt and calcium carbonate contents and decreased with increase in sand content.     

Comparative Efficiency of Phosphorus Sources for Upland Rice Production

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple food for more than 50% of the world’s population, and phosphorus (P) is one of the most yield-limiting nutrients for rice production in tropical acidic soils worldwide. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate efficiency of six P sources for upland rice production. The P sources used were simple superphosphate (SSP), polymer-coated SSP (PSSP), triple superphosphate (TSP), polymer-coated TSP (PTSP), monoammonium phosphate (MAP), and polymer-coated MAP (PMAP). There were four P rates [50, 100 200, and 400 mg phosphorus (P) kg^?1] applied with four sources plus one control treatment [0 mg phosphorus (P) kg^?1]. Plant height, straw yield, grain yield, panicle density, root dry weight, maximum root length, and 1000-grain weight were significantly increased with increasing P rates in the range of 0 to 400 mg P kg^?1. However, P-use efficiency (mg grain produced per mg P applied) was decreased with increasing P rate. Based on regression equation, overall maximum plant height was obtained with the application of 235 mg P kg^?1, maximum straw yield with the application of 265 mg P kg^?1, and maximum grain yield at 227 mg P kg^?1. Based on maximum grain yield, the P source were classified as PMAP > SSP = MAP > PSSP > TSP > PTSP in the upland rice production efficiency. Overall, maximum panicle density was obtained with the addition of 231 mg P kg^?1 and maximum 1000-weight was obtained with the addition of 226 mg P kg^?1. Similarly, overall root dry weight and maximum root length were achieved with the application of 261 and 298 mg P kg^?1 of soil. Most of the growth and yield components had a significant positive association with grain yield. Optimum soil acidity indices such as pH; exchangeable calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K); Ca, Mg, and K saturation; base saturation; and acidity saturation were established for maximum upland rice grain yield.     

Compositional Nutrient Diagnosis of a Sample of Plantain from Sur del Lago de Maracaibo (Venezuela)

The aim of the present study was the estimation of reference concentration values for plantain (Musa AAB subgroup plantain cv. Hartón) using the Compositional Nutrient Diagnosis system. Eighty-eight plants were sampled in 2000–2001 in commercial orchards in Sur del Lago de Maracaibo (Venezuela), their yields recorded, and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and sodium (Na) concentrations determined in the foliar material. A yield cutoff of 16.98 kg·bunch^?1, obtained after modeling the cumulative variance ratio function versus yield relationships with sigmoidal (Boltzmann) equations, was selected as the value above which plants were regarded as high yielders. Estimations from the high-yield group (N = 31) resulted in the following reference concentrations for macronutrients (in g·kg^?1): 27.4 (N), 2.0 (P), 41.2 (K), 6.5 (Ca), 2.8 (Mg), 1.9 (S), and 0.5 (Na). For micronutrients the reference concentrations were (in mg·kg^?1): 15.6 (Zn), 8.3 (Cu), 64.0 (Fe), and 76.3 (Mn).     

Nutrient Uptake in Dry Bean Genotypes

Dry bean is an important legume for human consumption in South America. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate uptake and use efficiency of macro- and micronutrients by six dry bean genotypes at two P levels (25 and 200 mg kg^?1 soil). Shoot dry weight and grain yield varied significantly among genotypes and significantly increased with increasing phosphorus (P) levels. Grain harvest index (GHI) and 100-grain weight also differ significantly among genotypes and significantly increased with the increasing P levels. Based on grain yield efficiency index (GYEI), genotypes were classified as efficient and inefficient. The most efficient genotype was CNFP 10104, and inefficient genotypes were CNFP 10103 and CNFP 10120. Number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod increased significantly with the addition of 200 mg P kg^?1 of soil compared to the low level of P (25 mg P kg^?1). Similarly, nitrogen (N), P, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) concentrations and uptake in the shoot and grain also significantly varied among genotypes. Uptake of macro- and micronutrients was greater under the greater P rate compared to the low P rate. This may be related to greater shoot or grain yield at 200 mg P kg^?1 soil compared to 25 mg P kg^?1 of soil.     

Agronomic Evaluation of Phosphorus Sources in Lowland Rice Production

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the most yield-limiting factors in lowland rice production on Brazilian Inceptisol. The objective of this study was to evaluate eight P sources for lowland rice production. The P sources were simple superphosphate (SSP), polymer-coated simple superphosphate (PSSP), ammoniated simple superphosphate (ASSP), polymer-coated ammoniated simple superphosphate (PASSP), triple superphosphate (TSP), polymer-coated triple superphosphate (PTSP), monoammonium phosphate (MAP), and polymer-coated monoammonium phosphate (PMAP). These P sources were applied in four rates (i.e., 50, 100 200, and 400 mg P kg^?1) + one control treatment (0 mg P kg^?1). Plant height, straw yield, grain yield, panicle number, and root dry weight were significantly increased in a quadratic fashion with increasing P levels from 0 to 400 mg kg^?1 of all the P sources evaluated. However, overall maximum root length and P-use efficiency were significantly less at greater P levels. Based on regression equation, maximum plant height was obtained with 262 mg P kg, maximum straw yield was obtained with 263 mg P kg^?1, maximum grain yield was obtained with 273 mg P kg^?1, and maximum panicle density was obtained with 273 mg P kg^?1. Plant growth and yield components had significant positive association with grain yield, except maximum root length. Based on grain yield and average P rate of maximum grain yield, which is 273 mg kg^?1, P sources were classified for P-use efficiency in the order of PSSP = TSP > PTSP > PASSP > SSP > MAP > ASSP. Soil chemical properties [pH; P; potassium (K); calcium (Ca); magnesium (Mg); hydrogen (H) + aluminum (Al); cation exchange capacity (CEC); base saturation; Ca, Mg, and K saturation; acidity saturation; Ca/Mg, Ca/K, and Mg/K ratios] changed significantly with the addition of different P treatments.     

Yield and Zinc,Copper, Manganese and Iron Concentration in Maize (Zea mays L.) Grown on Vertisol as Influenced by Zinc Application from Various Zinc Fertilizers

Zinc (Zn) deficiency in soils and field crops is widespread across the world, including India, resulting in severe reduction in yield. Hence, soil application of Zn fertilizers is recommended for ameliorating Zn deficiency in soil and for obtaining higher crop yield and better crop quality. Zinc sulfate is commonly used Zn fertilizer in India because of its solubility and less cost. However, good quality and adequate quantity of zinc sulfate is not available in the market round the year for farmers' use. Field experiments were therefore conducted during rainy season of 2010 and 2011 at research farm of Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal, India to assess the influence of Zn application through zinc sulfate monohydrate (33% Zn), zinc polyphosphate (21% Zn) and Zn ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) (12% Zn) on yield and micronutrient concentration and uptake by maize (Zea mays L.). In both the years, grain and vegetative tissue (stover) yield of maize increased significantly with successive application of Zn up to 1 kg ha^?1 added through zinc sulfate monohydrate and zinc polyphosphate. Addition of 2.5 kg Zn ha^?1 did not increase yield further but resulted in highest stover Zn concentration. Zinc, copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) concentration in maize grain varied from 22.2 to 27.6, 1.6 to 2.5, 3.5 to 4.7 and 19.9 to 24.5 mg kg^?1 respectively in both the years. Maize stover had 25.9 to 36.2, 7.9 to 9.8, 36.7 to 44.9 and 174 to 212 mg kg^?1 Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe, respectively. Zinc application did not influence Cu, Mn and Fe concentration in both grain and stover of maize. Transfer coefficients (TCs) of micronutrients varied from 0.72 to 0.95, 0.18 to 0.30, 0.08 to 0.13 and 0.10 to 0.15 for Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe respectively. Total Zn uptake significantly increased with Zn application from 0.5 to 2.5 kg ha^?1 supplied through zinc sulfate monohydrate and zinc polyphosphate. Recovery efficiency of Zn declined with increased Zn rates.     

稻米和土壤微量元素的空间变异

Consumption of rice is the main source of micronutrients to human in Asia. A paddy field with unknown anthropogenic contamination in Deqing County, Zhejiang Province, China was selected to characterize the spatial variability and distribution of micronutrients in rice grain and soil. A total of 96 paired soil and rice grain samples were collected at harvest. The micronutrients in the soil samples were extracted by diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA). The mean micronutrient concentrations in rice grain were 3.85 μg Cu g-1, 11.6 μg Fe g-1, 39.7 μg Mn g-1, and 26.0 μg Zn g-1. The mean concentrations were 2.54 μg g-1 for DTPA-Cu, 133.5 μg g-1 for DTPA-Fe, 30.6 μg g-1 for DTPA-Mn, and 0.84 μg g-1 for DTPA-Zn. Semivariograms showed that measured micronutrients in rice grain were moderately dependent, with a range distance of about 110 m. The concentrations of the DTPA-extractable micronutrients all displayed strong spatial dependency, with a range distance of about 60 m. There was some resemblance of spatial structure between soil pH and the grain Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn. By analogy, similar spatial variation was observed between soil organic matter (SOM) and DTPA-extractable micronutrients in the soil. Kriging estimated maps of the attributes showed the spatial distributions of the variables in the field, which is beneficial for better understanding the spatial variation of micronutrients and for potentially refining agricultural management practices at a field scale.     

Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic Acid–Extractable Micronutrients Status in Soil under a Rice–Wheat System and Their Relationship with Soil Properties in Different Agroclimatic Zones of Indo‐Gangetic Plains of India

Available micronutrient status of zinc, copper, manganese, and iron (Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe) in surface soil samples under a rice–wheat system collected from farmers' fields in 40 districts representing different agroclimatic zones of the Indo‐Gangetic Plain (IGP) were determined. The selection of farmers, villages, blocks, and districts within an agroclimatic zone was made on the basis of a multistage statistical approach. In Trans‐Gangetic Plains, the diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)–extractable Zn ranged from 0.11 to 5.08, Cu ranged from 0.22 to 4.72, Mn ranged from 2.9 to 101.2, and Fe ranged from 1.05 to 97.9 mg kg^?1. In the Upper Gangetic Plains, the DTPA‐extractable Zn ranged from 0.04 to 2.53, Cu ranged from 0.06 to 4.32, Mn ranged from 11.1 to 421.0, and Fe ranged from 3.48 to 90.2 mg kg^?1. In the Middle Gangetic Plains, the DTPA‐extractable Zn ranged from 0.17 to 8.60, Cu ranged from 0.09 to 7.80, Mn ranged from 3.0 to 155.1, and Fe ranged from 9.22 to 256.7 mg kg^?1. In the Lower Gangetic Plains, the DTPA‐extractable Zn ranged from 0.04 to 3.46, Cu ranged from 0.21 to 4.38, Mn ranged from 9.54 to 252.2, and Fe ranged from 3.60 to 182.5 mg kg^?1. The intensively cultivated Trans‐Gangetic transect representing the midplain and Siwalik had more available micronutrients than the arid plain. Midplain and arid plain showed 17 to 20% of soil samples were low to medium in Zn and 5 and 8% were low in Fe. In the Upper Gangetic Plains, only 25% samples were deficient in Zn, especially in central and southwest plains. In the Middle Gangetic Plains, 20 to 30% of samples were deficient in Zn, and very few samples were deficient in other micronutrients. In the Lower Gangetic Plains, a majority of the samples were medium to high in micronutrients except in Barind and Rarh Plains where 30% of samples were deficient in Zn. In the Lower Gangetic Plains, the available micronutrients were plentiful. Available micronutrients increased with increase in organic C content and decreased with increase in sand content, pH, and calcium carbonate. These soils are alluvial in nature, and there was no definite pattern of micronutrient distribution with depth in the profile. However, there was more accumulation in the Ap horizon than in the B horizon.     

Lowland Rice Response to Thermophosphate Fertilization

Abstract

Use of adequate rates of phosphorus (P) in crop production on high‐P‐fixing acid soils is essential because of high crop response to P fertilization and the high cost of P fertilizers. Information on lowland rice response to thermophosphate fertilization grown on Inceptisols is limited, and data are also lacking for soil‐test‐based P fertilization recommendations for this crop. The objective of this study was to evaluate response of lowland rice to added thermophosphate and to calibrate P soil testing for making P fertilizer recommendations. A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years in central Brazil on a Haplaquept Inceptisol. The broadcast P rates used were 0, 131, 262, 393, 524, and 655 kg P ha^?1, applied as thermophosphate Yoorin. Rice yield and yield components were significantly increased with the application of P fertilizer. Average maximum grain yield was obtained with the application of 509 kg P ha^?1. Uptake of macro‐ and micronutrients had significant quadratic responses with increasing P rates. Application of thermophosphate significantly decreased soil acidity and created favorable macro‐ and micronutrient environment for lowland rice growth. Across 2 years, soil‐test levels of Mehlich 1–extractable P were categorized, based on relative grain yield, as very low (0–17 mg P kg^?1 soil), low (17–32 mg P kg^?1 soil), medium (32–45 mg P kg^?1 soil), or high (>45 mg P kg^?1 soil). Similarly, soil‐test levels of Bray 1–extractable P across 2 years were very low (0–17 mg P kg^?1 soil), low (17–28 mg P kg^?1 soil), medium (28–35 mg P kg^?1 soil), or high (>35 mg P kg^?1 soil). Soil P availability indices for Mehlich 1 extractant were slightly higher at higher P rates. However, both the extracting solutions had highly significant association with grain yield.     

Micronutrient status of calcareous paddy soils and rice products: implication for human health

Modern agricultural systems have to provide enough micronutrient output to meet all the nutritional needs of people. Accordingly, knowledge on micronutrient status in soil and crop edible tissues is necessary. This study was carried out to investigate zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) concentration of calcareous paddy soil and the relative rice grain. Rice crops (straw, hull, and grain) and associated surface soils (0–25 cm) were collected from 136 fields and analyzed for total and diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) available Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu. The DTPA-Zn concentration in more than 50% of paddy soils was less than its critical deficiency concentration (2 mg kg⁻¹), while the concentrations of DTPA Fe, Mn, and Cu were sufficient. The grain Zn concentration of more than 54% of the rice samples was less than 20 mg kg⁻¹. About 55% and 49% of the rice samples were deficient in Mn and Cu, respectively, while the Fe concentration in rice grains was sufficient. A significant negative correlation was found between the CaCO₃ content and soil DTPA-extractable Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu. There were significant relationships between the total soil phosphorus and DTPA-extractable micronutrient concentrations. By considering the average daily rice consumption of 110 g per capita, the Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu intake from rice consumption was estimated to be 2.4, 7.7, 1.6, and 0.7 mg for adults, respectively.     

EFFECT OF LANTHANUM ON RICE PRODUCTION,NUTRIENT UPTAKE,AND DISTRIBUTION

ABSTRACT

Split root solution culture experiments were conducted to study the effects of the rare earth element lanthanum (La) on rice (Oryza sativa) growth, nutrient uptake and distribution. Results showed that low concentrations of La could promote rice growth including yield (0.05 mg L^?1 to 1.5 mg L^?1), dry root weight (0.05 mg L^?1 to 0.75 mg L^?1) and grain numbers (0.05 mg L^?1 to 6 mg L^?1). High concentrations depressed grain formation (9 mg L^?1 to 30 mg L^?1) and root elongation (1.5 mg L^?1 to 30 mg L^?1). No significant influence on straw dry weight was found over the whole concentration range except for the 0.05 mg L^?1 treatment. In the pot and field experiments, the addition of La had no significant influence on rice growth.Lanthanum had variable influence on nutrient uptake in different parts of rice. Low concentrations (0.05 mg L^?1 to 0.75 mg L^?1) increased the root copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and magnesium (Mg), and grain Cu, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), manganese (Mn), and Mg uptake. High concentrations (9 to 30 mg L^?1) decreased the grain Ca, zinc (Zn), P, Mn, Fe and Mg, and straw Ca, Mn, and Mg uptake. With increasing La concentration, root Zn, P, Mn, Cu, and Ca concentrations increased, and grain Ca and Fe, and straw Mn, Mg, and Ca concentrations decreased. Possible reasons are discussed for the differences between the effects of La in nutrient solutions and in pot and field experiments.